Science Possibilities
on GSC Space Facilities
Biotechnology:
By studying protein crystals and protein crystal growth, orbital research enhances our ability to accurately describe proteins, enzymes, and viruses at the molecular level. This ability, coupled with research on these fundamental building blocks of life, will enable scientists to develop new drugs and vaccines much more quickly and effectively.
Researchers can study the processes that control the growth of human tissues outside the body (tissue culturing). Future research may lead to an improved understanding of normal and abnormal (cancerous) tissue development, with important implication for the development of new drug therapies and applications for transplant research.
Physiology:
Space research provides unique insights into the human body: how the heart and lungs functions; the growth and maintenance of muscle and bone; perception, cognition, and balance (neuroscience); and the regulation of the body's many systems (regulatory physiology).
Combustion Science:
Scientists can use low gravity to simplify the study of complex combustion (burning) processes. Because combustion is used to produce 85 percent of Earth's energy, even small improvements in efficiency will have large environmental and economic benefits.
Materials Science:
Researchers can use low gravity to advance our understanding of the relationships amoung the structure, processing, and properties of materials. Findings in materials science have very broad applicability to industrial processes, including the production of semiconductors, glasses, metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics.
Fluid Physics:
Researchers use low gravity to study the properties and behavior of fluids (liquids, gases, and mixtures). Fundamental knowledge of fluid behavior is essential to industrial activities, ranging from energy production to materials engineering.
Microgravity Physics
:
Scientist can use microgravity to test fundamental theories of physics with degrees of accuracy that far exceed the capacity of Earth-bound science. Physics in low gravity expands our understanding of changes in the state of matter, including those changes responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.
Gravitational Biology:
Scientists can study gravitational biology to see gravity's influence on the development, growth, and internal processes of plants and animals. The results will expand fundamental knowledge that will benefit medical, agricultural, and other industries.
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